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Getting started with Magic

What Magic: The Gathering is, the best first product to buy, how many lands a deck needs and gift ideas for players.

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Getting started with Magic: The Gathering takes three steps: learn what the game is, pick a first product that teaches it, and build or buy a deck that fits your friends’ format. These guides cover each step for a new player, plus gift ideas for someone who already plays.

Begin with what Magic: The Gathering is, a one-page overview of how the game works, where it came from and the ways to play it. The best way to start Magic compares every beginner product, from the Beginner Box to the free MTG Arena.

When you build a deck of your own, how many lands a deck needs gives Wizards’ starting numbers for 60-card, 40-card and Commander decks. Buying for someone else? Gifts for Magic: The Gathering players matches gifts to new players, Commander players and collectors.

Two players in a Magic: The Gathering game at a club table, cards laid out between them

Beginner Boxes, Theme Decks and Starter Kits

Shop beginner Boxes, Starter Kits and Theme Decks

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Getting started with Magic

Frequently asked questions

How do I start playing Magic: The Gathering?

Learn the rules with a product that teaches them, such as the Foundations Beginner Box, or with the free MTG Arena tutorial. Then pick a format and a ready-made deck to play with friends or at a local game store.

Is Magic: The Gathering free to play?

The paper game needs cards, but MTG Arena, Wizards' digital version, is free to start on PC, Mac, Android and iOS and teaches the game with a tutorial.

Sources

  1. Introduction to Magic: The GatheringWizards of the Coast
  2. Magic: The Gathering Foundations Beginner Box ContentsWizards of the Coast
  3. How to Play MTG ArenaWizards of the Coast

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